Jet Blast Area - NATO Tiger Meet 2023

NTM 2023 - The context

Like every year, many NATO squadrons having a Tiger as their emblem gather for a two-weeks exercise in one of the air base of the alliance. In October 2023, the so-called NATO Tiger Meet was held in the southeastern part of Italy, near Gioia Del Colle, 40km from Bari. This year's hosting unit was the Italian Air Force 36° Stormo, part of the 12° Gruppo, for the first time in their tiger history. The last NATO Tiger Meet held in Italy being in 1988, it was a very welcome return in the mediterranean country. The return also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force.

The areas assigned to the exercise span from Puglia to the Tyrrhenian Sea, giving the participants a wide space to train on all assigned tasks, including stand-off attacks and Beyond Visual Range intercepts, during the two main waves that were launched every day. The use of weapons, however, was simulated, and no actual bombs or missiles (either inert or real) were released. As usual, the morning was reserved for the Composite Air Operationsin the afternoon, while most participants flew local missions among each other during the Shadow Waves in the afternoon. COMAOs covered a wide spectrum of the modern air warfare, such as Air Interdiction, Close Air Support (CAS), Defensive/Offensive Counter Air, Dynamic Targeting, TST Targeting, Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD).

During the 2-weeks exercise, a Spotter Day and an Open Day were organized, during which photographers could catch all of the aircraft participating. The Spotter Day saw a COMAO in the morning, and photographers were greeted with an Elephant Walk in the afternoon, where most of the flying participants gathered on the runway for a picture. Even if the spotters placement along the runway didn't allow some very good shots, it was very interesting to see.

The exercise was designed to test and improve the readiness of NATO air forces, ensuring that they can effectively operate together in a wide range of scenarios. NATO Tiger Meet also emphasizes the importance of multinational cooperation, communication, and tactical proficiency.

Turkish Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 92-0014

Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado ECR | 46+40

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon | 30+76

Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen | 9244

Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen | 9237

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon | 30+76

Austrian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon | 7L-WC

Hungarian Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen | 30

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Rafale B | 359/30-FZ

Turkish Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 92-0014

Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado ECR | 46+38

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon | 31+02

Austrian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon | 7L-WC

Belgian Air Force General Dynamics F-16AM | FA-136

Aeronautica Militare Eurofighter Typhoon | MM.7314

Swiss Air Force Boeing F/A-18C Hornet | J-5011

Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado ECR | 46+38

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon | 31+13

Aeronautica Militare Eurofighter Typhoon | MM.7329

NTM 2023 - The cutting-edge equipment of the French forces

At the 2023 NATO Tiger Meet in Italy, the French Air and Space Force, as well as the Navy and the Armed Forces showcased some of their most advanced and capable aircraft. This impressive lineup included the state-of-the-art Rafale F4 for their first deployment, the upgraded Mirage 2000D RMV, as well as the Tigre attack helicopter. A pair of E-2C Hawkeye performed Airborne Early Warning and Control, and the versatile Gazelle helicopter was there for Close Air Support. All these aircraft represent the cutting edge of French military aviation and highlight France's commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced air force.

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace

The Escadron de Chasse et d'Expérimentation 01/030 'Côte d'Argent' (ECE, Fighter and Experimentation Squadron) took advantage of the exercise to bring the two most recent variants of fighter jets in the French Air Force. In Italy, they were able to test the newer jets in a realistic environment, and to provide improvements every day after the missions.

First, three Dassault Rafale in their F4.1 standard were deployed to NATO Tiger Meet, a first for the type in a major exercise abroad. The F4.1 standard marks a decisive milestone with the introduction of the Scorpion helmet-mounted display. This tool, connected to the aircraft, allows essential tactical information to be relayed directly to the pilot's eye. The RBE2 AESA radar, assisted by an improved front-sector optronics system, provides crews with the capability to engage air or ground targets with a higher probability of detection and interception. The Talios pod, furthermore, offers continuous terrain and tactical ground situation awareness, regardless of weather conditions, thanks to the addition of an onboard mapping system. The SPECTRA system, a true protection organ for the aircraft, is also improved on the F4.1 standard, to allow the Rafale to maintain freedom of action beyond enemy lines and to deter the enemy from engaging.

The Rafale were accompanied by a trio of Dassault Mirage 2000D RMV (Renovated Mirage Variant - Rénové Mi-Vie). This variant represents a significant modernization effort to enhance the operational capabilities and extend the service life of the Mirage 2000D fleet. The RMV upgrade includes state-of-the-art avionics, improving situational awareness, navigation, and targeting capabilities, partly thanks to an upgraded glass cockpit featuring multifunction displays. An exercise like NATO Tiger Meet helps the Mirage 2000D RMV to test its secure communication systems that enable better interoperability with allied forces.

Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (ALAT)

The second army corps participating to this edition of the exercise, was one of the most recently arrived member of the NATO Tiger Association. The Escadrille d'Hélicoptères de Reconnaissance et d'Attaque n°3/3 (EHRA 3/3) "Les Félins" became a full member in 2019, after 3 editions of NATO Tiger Meets during which they showed their value and earned their title.

The Squadron brought a pair of Eurocopter EC-665 Tigre HAP to Italy. The Tigre is a strategic helicopter of the French armed forces. Its military capabilities and maneuverability allow it to perform fire support missions in the theaters of operations where it is deployed. HAP stands for "Helicoptère d'Appui et de Protection" (Support and Protection Helicopter), equipped with a turret-mounted cannon, 8 American AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, and the capability to carry various other weapons. During the NATO Tiger Meet 2023, the Tigre helicopters were engaged alongside other helicopters to provide support to ground troops for various missions.

The second equipment that was brought by the 3 EHRA was a 4-ship of SA342M Gazelle. In its M1 VIVIANE variant, the light attack helicopter is able to provide some very close air support, with anti-tank weapons and modern sensors, although the variant is almost 25 years old. Contrary to previous versions, the SAGEM display screen has been added in front of the gunner-chief, so the missile command and selection box has been moved underneath. The autopilot was improved with a hover flight coupler. Since the maximum weight of the helicopter was increased, it was necessary to equip the VIVIANE with rotor blades from the AS555 Fennec helicopter. Additionally, a big 59-kg infrared sensor was added on top of the cockpit windows. For NATO Tiger Meet 2024, the EHRA 3/3 decorated a Gazelle in a wonderful red livery, named "3/3 Scuderia dei Felini".

Marine Nationale

To complete France's presence, the French Navy was a strategic participant of this year's edition of NATO Tiger Meet. The Flottille 11F was planned to participate with some Rafale M, but unfortunately they were forced to cancel their participation due to operational constraints. Fortunately, the Flottille 4F was here to represent the Navy, although not being a full member of the NATO Tiger Association. Indeed, two of the three E-2C Hawkeye of the air arm were deployed to Gioia Del Colle. The main mission was Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), and it took-off before the COMAO every day to position to the mission theatre, landing after the last returns.

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Rafale B | 360/30-SI

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Rafale B

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Rafale B | 361/30-SJ

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Mirage 2000D RMV | 341/30-JW

Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre Eurocopter EC-665 Tigre | BHK

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Rafale B | 359/30-FZ

Marine Nationale Grumman E-2C Hawkeye | 3

Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre Sud-Aviation SA362M Gazelle | GCJ

NTM 2023 - The participants

The 2023 edition of the NATO Tiger Meet involved a huge number of flying participants, with more than 80 aircraft from 13 countries taking part to the Large Force Employment (LFE). This made this edition one of the most impressive NTMs of recent years. A notable fact was the presence of 5 countries sending F-16 Fighting Falcons (Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Turkiye), marking a nice milestone before some of them are replaced by newer aircraft in coming years.

The detailed list of participant to NATO Tiger Meet 2023 can be found below:

- 12° Gruppo (Italian Air Force) based in Gioia del Colle - 7x Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon

- 21° Gruppo (Italian Air Force) based in Grazzanise - 3x HH-101 Caesar

- 31 Smd (Belgian Air Force) based in Kleine Brogel - 5x F-16A/B MLU

- Esq 301 (Portuguese Air Force) based in Monte Real - 5x F-16A/B

- 192 Filo (Turkish Air Force) based in Balikesir - 3x F-16C Block 52

- Staffel 11 (Swiss Air Force) based in Meiringen - 5x F-18C Hornet

- ECE 01/30 'Cote d'Argent' (French Air & Space Force) based in Mont de Marsan - 3x Rafale B, 3x Mirage 2000D

- EHRA 3/3 (French ALAT) based in Etain-Rouvres - 2x Eurocopter Tiger + 4x Aérospatiale Gazelle

- TaktLwG 51 'Immelmann' (Luftwaffe) based in Schleswig - 6x Tornado ECR

- TaktLwG 74 (Luftwaffe) based in Neuburg - 6x Eurofighter Typhoon

- 211 TL (Czech Air Force) based in Čáslav - 5x JAS-39 C/D Gripen

- 101/1 Sqn (Hungarian Air Force) based in Keczkemét - 5x JAS-39 C/D Gripen

- 335 Mira (Hellenic Air Force) based in Araxos - 4x F-16C/D Block 52+

- 2 Staffel (Austrian Air Force) based in Zeltweg - 3x Eurofighter Typhoon

- 6 ELT (Polish Air Force) based in Poznań - 6x F-16C/D Fighting Falcon

- 1 AEW&C Sqn (NATO) based in Geilenkirchen flying from Trapani - 1x E-3A Sentry

External units from the NATO Tiger Association also took part to the exercise, such as :

- Flotille 4F (Marine Nationale) based in Lorient - 2x E-2C Hawkeye

- 202° Gruppo (Italian Air Force) based in Guidonia - 2x Marchetti S208M

- 8° Gruppo (Italian Air Force) based in Pratica di Mare - 1x Boeing KC-767

- 71° Gruppo (Italian Air Force) based in Pratica di Mare - 1x Gulfstream G550

- GFD (Civilian) based in Hohn - 1x Learjet

Hellenic Air Force F-16C + Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon

Hellenic Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 015

Portuguese Air Force General Dynamics F-16A | 15110

Turkish Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 92-0014

Aeronautica Militare Leonardo HH-101A Caesar | MM.81875

Turkish Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 93-0685

Belgian Air Force General Dynamics F-16AM

Polish Air Force General Dynamics F-16C | 4046

GFD Learjet | D-CGFB

Aeronautica Militare Leonardo HH-101A Caesar | MM.81868

Marine Nationale Grumman E-2C Hawkeye | 3

NATO Tiger Meet Flightline

Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado ECR | 46+40

Hungarian Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen | 36

Swiss Air Force Boeing F/A-18C Hornet | J-5021

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon | 30+76

Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace Dassault Mirage 2000D RMV | 341/30-JW

NTM 2023 - The Tiger Spirit and trophy winners

Throughout the 2 weeks, the airmen carry on the old traditions of the NTA by wearing all sorts of "Tiger" accessories, such as suits, glasses, helmets, gloves and much more. Far from being mere accessories, these traditions are the very essence of this large-scale exercise. Within the squadrons roars what insiders call the "Tiger spirit", a set of values shared by the community and creating this strong bond. Mutual trust has developed over the years between the squadrons. So, when they find themselves on operational theaters, they are able to quickly integrate into a coalition, plan, and conduct complex operations in a short time. The NATO Tiger Meet is significantly more international than most comparable air force exercises. It provides exceptional training opportunities for aircrews, operations personnel, and technicians across a broad operational spectrum.

The most publicized thing that squadrons do to carry on the tiger traditions is to paint one of their aircraft in a feline livery. Some only paint the tail of an aircraft, but many countries come with a complete paint or decal of an aircraft. That remains the most interesting visitors for aircraft photographers of all around the world coming to the air base to take pictures. This year, the most notable aircraft were the Luftwaffe TaktLwG 74's Typhoon painted in a beautiful tiger livery. The 192 Filo from the Turkish Air Force brought three aircraft, two of them being entirely painted in incredible Tiger liveries: an orange one existing since some years, and a first appearance from a sublime red F-16C. As previously said, the French Army's Gazelle left no one indifferent.

At the conclusion of the NATO Tiger Meet, a lot of excitation ran among the participating tiger squadrons. Indeed, the closing ceremony is the opportunity to present the trophies, to reward the squadrons for different themes. The pressing question was: Who would win the "Silver Tiger" and take it home for a year? This particular trophy rewards the unit that best illustrated itself throughout the exercise. All the squadrons were able to vote for this reward, and the counting began. This time, the Silver Tiger was awarded to TAW 74 from Neuburg in southern Germany. They also claimed first place for the best tiger-themed jet painting. The Bavarian Tigers celebrated these honors with great pleasure and proudly returned home the following day with their awards. The complete list of trophies of NTM 2023 can be found below:

- Silver Tiger: TaktLwG 74 (GAF)
- Best OPS: 31 Smd (BAF)
- Best Tiger Aircraft: TaktLwG 74 (GAF)
- Best Uniform: 192 Filo (TuAF)
- Tiger Games: 31 Smd (BAF)
- Best Skit: ECE 1/30 (FAF)